An apocryphal tale

A farmer, the father of 12 children, all of whom had been rocked in the same cradle, was rocking the newest arrival one night, when his wife remarked: “John, that cradle is nearly worn out. It’s so rickety that I’m afraid it will fall to pieces.” “It’s about used up,” replied the husband. Then, handing her £2, he added: “The next time you go to town, get a new one, a good one — one that will last.” — ODT, 3.11.1920.